The Iterative Nature of the Dissertation Process

To this point, being a graduate student has involved reading assignments, writing papers, and perhaps taking exams and may not have been very different from your undergraduate course work. The dissertation, on the other hand, is a new kind of academic project, unlike anything else you have done. The dissertation is the independent academic project that marks your transition from student to scholar. In addition, the dissertation process is iterative in nature.

To Prepare:

• Review Part 1 of the Dissertation Guidebook (Dissertation Process) found in this week’s Learning Resources

Current Research Question – What effects can a 4-day work week have on turnover rates in non-profit organizations?

Current Purpose for Research – Improve work-life balance of non-profit employees to decrease turnover rates in non-profit organizations

DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT:

• Post and explain what is meant by the cyclical or iterative nature of writing a dissertation.
• How does this concept impact how you approach working on the prospectus, proposal, final dissertation?
• Describe how this iterative process is integral to your working relationship with your chair.